Epidural anesthesia is initiated for a primigravida at 40 weeks gestation who is in active labor. Which assessment has the greatest priority for the practical nurse to monitor during the administration of epidural anesthesia?
Level of pain sensation.
Maternal blood pressure (BP).
Infusion pump and IV site.
Variability of fetal heart rate.
The Correct Answer is B
The greatest priority for the practical nurse to monitor during the administration of epidural anesthesia is maternal blood pressure (BP). Epidural anesthesia can cause maternal hypotension due to vasodilation and decreased venous return, which can result in decreased fetal perfusion and oxygenation. Therefore, it is important for the practical nurse to monitor maternal BP frequently and promptly report any significant changes to the healthcare provider. Options A, C, and D are also important assessments, but they are not the priority in this scenario.
Therefore, options A, C, and D are not answers because they are not the priority assessment during the administration of epidural anesthesia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The priority action for the practical nurse (PN) to take while caring for a client that has just arrived in the emergency department with 2nd degree thermal burns to the right thigh, lower leg and foot, and reports severe pain in the right leg is to remove clothing and cover the burned area with a cool damp cloth. This will help to cool the burn and reduce pain.
Anticipating rehydration of 1000 mL/6 hr. with normal saline (Option A) is an important intervention for burn patients, but it is not the first priority. Completely flushing the burned area with water or sterile saline (Option C) may be appropriate in some cases, but it is not the first intervention that should be implemented. Collecting data such as vital signs, blood gases, height and weight (Option D) is also important, but it is not the first priority.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Albuminuria, or the presence of albumin in the urine, is an early sign of relapse in a toddler with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) who has been treated with corticosteroids. MCNS is a kidney disorder that can cause the body to excrete too much protein in the urine, leading to albuminuria. The practical nurse should recognize this finding as an early sign of relapse and take appropriate action to manage the child's condition.
The other answers are incorrect because they are not directly related to the early signs of relapse in a toddler with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) who has been treated with corticosteroids.
- Increased thirst is not a known early sign of relapse in MCNS.
- Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is not a known early sign of relapse in MCNS.
- A rounded face can be a side effect of corticosteroid treatment, but it is not an early sign of relapse in MCNS.
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